Pelvic floor exercises, electrical stimulation and biofeedback after radical prostatectomy: results of a prospective randomized trial

Abstract

Purpose: We assessed the effect of pelvic muscle exercises (PMEs), electrical stimulation (ES) and biofeedback (BFB) on urinary incontinence after radical retropubic prostatectomy.

Materials and methods: We randomized 139 patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy into 3 groups. Group 1 received instructions about postoperative PMEs. Group 2 received the same instructions and ES for 15 minutes twice daily. Patients in group 3 were also treated with BFB for 15 minutes twice daily. Treatment was started immediately after catheter removal and performed for 3 months. The outcome was assessed using the 20-minute pad test and a urine symptom inventory. Results at baseline, and 3 and 12 months postoperatively were available for 139, 120 and 128 (questionnaire), and 116, 79 and 124 (pad test) patients, respectively.

Results: An overall subjective spontaneous continence rate (questionnaire) 1 day after catheter removal of 21.4% increased within the first 3 months up to 59.2%. There was no significant difference among the 3 groups. The continence rate increased from 3 to 12 months postoperatively from 59.2% to 85.9%. An overall objective spontaneous continence rate (pad test) 1 day after catheter removal of 32.9% increased within the first 3 months up to 65% and up to 83% after 12 months without any significant difference in all 3 groups.

Conclusions: A treatment program of ES and BFB enhanced PMEs did not affect continence after radical prostatectomy after 3 or 12 months. Up to 711 euro can be saved per patient.